Avelino Valencia

Avelino Valencia is a Democratic politician serving in the California State Assembly for the 68th district, which represents Anaheim and Orange County. He has held this position since 2022. Valencia is a former college football player and coach who played tight end and briefly pursued a career in the NFL. He is married to his high school sweetheart, who works as a local elementary school principal.

Education and Political Experience

Valencia attended Fullerton College before earning a football scholarship to San Jose State University. He later obtained a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Before his election to the State Assembly, Valencia served on the Anaheim City Council. He also worked as a district director for former Assemblymember Tom Daly, gaining experience in legislative operations.

Current Positions and Achievements

In the State Assembly, Valencia chairs the Banking and Finance Committee and serves as a member of several other committees, including Governmental Organization, Insurance, Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism, and Military and Veterans Affairs. He is also active on select committees addressing Asia-California trade, Native American affairs, and the status of boys and men of color.

Valencia has demonstrated commitment to mental health policy, introducing Assembly Bill 1956 to amend California's Health and Safety Code to include young men and boys in the Office of Suicide Prevention's priority populations. He has generally aligned with progressive organizations, earning high approval ratings from groups including the California Teachers Association , California Labor Federation , and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California .